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Mexican Skillet with Beef & Veggies

Mexican Skillet with Beef & Veggies

A quick and easy Mexican Skillet with Beef & Veggies that combines lean ground beef, colorful fresh vegetables, and bold Mexican spices cooked all in one pan for a nutritious, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onions, mince the garlic, and drain the black beans. Having everything prepped before heating ensures a smooth cooking process.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula until nicely browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  4. Season and combine: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and veggies in spices.
  5. Add tomatoes and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the drained black beans. Stir to combine and let the skillet simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
  6. Serve warm: Once cooked through and flavorful, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor; freshly ground cumin and chili powder are recommended.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown the beef in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
  • Add vegetables gradually and sauté just enough to keep some crunch and vibrant color.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and tweaking salt, pepper, or chili powder.
  • Use a heavy skillet such as cast iron or heavy stainless steel for even cooking and great caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican skillet, ground beef recipe, one-pan dinner, beef and vegetables, family-friendly dinner, gluten free Mexican, easy weeknight meal